Last month, I successfully returned from my trip to Japan. It was a busy trip with lots of errands to handle, but there were so many highlights and fun moments. I think some of the things I experienced might be helpful to others planning a trip, and as a way to keep notes for myself for the future, I’ve decided to turn it into a blog post today.
The hotel I stayed.
Let’s start with the hotel. Hotel prices in Tokyo have become quite high recently, so I researched extensively beforehand to find a place that was both budget-friendly and conveniently located. As I mentioned before, I had hip surgery in the summer and was still using a cane when I departed, so accessibility was incredibly important for me. The hotel I chose was Vessel Inn Takadanobaba Ekimae, and it turned out to be an absolutely perfect choice! I’m so proud of myself for finding such a gem and couldn’t be happier with my decision.
Japanese one point lesson : Ekimae （えきまえ）
The term “ekimae” refers to the area directly in front of a train station, including the station’s entrances and the surrounding plaza. In other words, it means an area super close to the station! 🙂 This hotel’s name is Vessel Inn Takadanobaba Ekimae.
Takadanobaba is located right in the heart of Tokyo on the JR Yamanote Line. However, compared to the major stations tourists typically visit—like Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku—this station is much smaller and simpler. The big stations can be overwhelming, and if you take the wrong exit, you might find yourself walking miles to get to your destination. Hotels near those stations are often pricey, and even if they’re labeled as “near the station,” the station itself is so large that it might still be quite a walk to get there. Takadanobaba Station, on the other hand, is compact, with straightforward exits, making it a hidden gem.
This is the route map of the JR Yamanote Line. Click to enlarge.
Even though it’s a smaller station, it’s still on the JR Yamanote Line, so you’ll find plenty of amenities nearby. There are shopping centers, numerous convenience stores, a Don Quijote (a must-visit for tourists), a variety of restaurants, and fast-food options—everything you could need! Here are the highlights of why I loved staying at this hotel:
- Right in front of the station! (You can see it as soon as you exit the JR Yamanote Line station, and if you’re using the Tokyo Metro Takadanobaba Station, it’s directly connected to the station exit.)
- Super convenient! Everything you might need is around the station.
- The hotel staff are incredibly friendly and helpful.
- Amazing accessibility! It’s only 4 minutes by train to Shinjuku, 8 minutes to Harajuku, and 10 minutes to Shibuya.
- The hotel has a coin-operated laundry facility.
- Though I only tried it once, the breakfast was excellent!
The breakfast buffet, YUM!
The popular breakfast is an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring a variety of Japanese dishes with plenty of seafood, as well as Western breakfast.
- Essential amenities are available in the lobby, and you can take as much as you need.
- There’s a free soft drink bar in the lobby (until around 11 PM), and you’re allowed to take drinks back to your room!!
Their free soft drink bar!! Feel welcomed 🙂
- Each room has a refrigerator and microwave.
Here’s the website for the hotel: https://www.vessel-hotel.jp/en/inn/takadanobaba/
By signing up for a free membership, you can get coupons and discounts. Additionally, if you register on LINE (a messaging app), you’ll receive even more discounts. I took advantage of both offers, used a coupon for a discount, and got a free one-hour late checkout on my last day 🙂
I had booked a 3-night stay here in advance, but it was so comfortable that I extended my stay by one more night. However, since I made the request suddenly the night before, the last night ended up being more expensive. Make sure to book early, everyone! (LOL)
If you’re looking for a convenient and budget-friendly place to stay in Tokyo, I highly recommend checking out this hotel. It made my trip so much easier and more enjoyable!
The Taxi Apps I used
Let me introduce the taxi apps I used in Japan. The best one is GO, which is the largest player in the market and has a reputation for being quick to dispatch taxis. Some taxi apps don’t accept credit cards issued overseas, so I recommend GO and DiDi. On this trip, I only used GO. Here’s what makes this app great:
You can register with an international phone number and a credit card issued overseas. It also supports English, and you can seamlessly use the app for everything from booking to riding and payment. Another major advantage is that it works in 45 prefectures across Japan.
Actually, back in the days when GO didn’t yet support credit cards issued overseas, I used DiDi. While it worked fine in Tokyo, I struggled in places like Hiroshima and Nara where taxis were hard to get. GO is a Japanese company’s app, while DiDi is a product of a major Chinese ride-share company.
If you’re only using a taxi in Tokyo, either app will suffice. However, in terms of coverage and user experience, GO has the upper hand.
For payment, GO offers a feature called GO Pay, which allows for a completely cashless and contactless experience—you just get out of the taxi when your ride is over. Of course, you can also use transportation IC cards like Suica and Pasmo, which I mentioned in a previous post.
For iPhone and iPad: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/go-taxi-app-for-japan/id1254341709
For Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dena.automotive.taxibell
Japanese one point lesson : ~de onegaishimasu （〜で、おねがいします）
The simple Japanese phrase “~de onegaishimasu” is incredibly useful for various situations. It translates roughly to “~please” in English and is often used to specify preferences or requests politely. For example:
- “Suica de onegaishimasu.”
- “Pasmo de onegaishimasu.”
Both phrases mean “Please use Suica” or “Please use Pasmo” (for payment). In casual situations, you can even shorten it to just “Suica de” or “Pasmo de,” and it will still be understood as “I’d like to pay with Suica/Pasmo.” This phrase is not only polite but also extremely versatile, making it a handy expression to remember during your travels in Japan.
Handy Essentials and Quick Tips
Badge Holders and Heavy Duty Retractable Reel Clips Set
Using a badge holder like this makes handling Suica or Pasmo cards much more convenient when traveling in Japan. I highly recommend a retractable type. These cards are the size of a credit card, so you could keep them in your wallet, but taking them out every time can be a hassle. Since they are prepaid cards and essentially hold your money, you’ll want to avoid losing them unnecessarily.
You’ll use these cards everywhere—at train stations, on buses, in department stores, shopping centers, and more. Being able to quickly scan and store them is key. This is especially true for transportation, as you’ll need to scan your card both when entering and exiting, and again when switching lines during transfers. Digging through your bag each time can be quite inconvenient.
You can find various types of badge holders on Amazon, so preparing one before your trip is a good idea. Once you pick up your Suica at the airport, you can start using it right away.
Alternatively, Japan has plenty of 100-yen shops, such as Daiso, Seria, and Can★Do, where you can also purchase badge holders.
Next time, I’ll be sharing more hotel reviews and highlights of places I loved visiting. Stay tuned!
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